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Kings Mountain Gateway Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 696 Google reviews · Running trail in Kings Mountain, North Carolina · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 4.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Kings Mountain Gateway Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Family-friendly park for hiking, biking, running and dog-walking, with a playground.
What runners say about Kings Mountain Gateway Trail
“Pretty trails, pet and family friendly, and well maintained.”
“It's beautiful, safe and has different levels of trails from low impact to higher levels for those who want more of a physical challenge.”
“Pretty trails, pet and family friendly, and well maintained.”
“Dogs are frequently walking with people (leashed as far as I saw).”
If you are looking to get out in nature and enjoy the outdoors without going too far away from town, this is the place to go. It has paved and unpaved trails. And there are easy and more challenging trails as well. Well worth the time to enjoy the fresh air.
Always great place for a run! Nice groomed trails. Large portion in the shade. Nice and cool place to go for a hike, run or bike ride! Get your kids off those video games and get outside! They've recently added a play area for the kids.
I went with my bearded dragon and my dog, and they both loved it. My dog (technically my brothers dog) is a dachshund, so she has short legs. She walked up the loop and was a little tired at the end. So we got her some water and she was happy :3 my beardie smiled and was not tired.
We love this little trail. The butterfly garden is gorgeous. Cardio Hill has a nice view of Kings Mtn and the quarry, depending on the season. The trail is not difficult. I have better photos, but they were unavailable at this time. Please enjoy some friendly trail critter photos and trust the rest is beautiful.
Trail conditions & character
“People were spaced just outside of view but if you stopped walking it would be no more than a minute or two before you encountered someone.”
“Loved to hike up and sprint down the steep hills of beautiful Kings Mountain Pass!”
“My dog absolutely adores all the wide array of trails to explore around this place!”
“I do not enjoy walking but I have to do it and it makes it significantly better when I find a well-cared-for path that is either paved or not uneven.”
“You can all get some millage in by taking the dirt path that is connected to the paved loop.”
“Easy paved / gravel trail loops with a descent out and back good for a long hike or moderate bike ride.”
Plan your run at Kings Mountain Gateway Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance4.5 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitekmgatewaytrails.org
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Kings Mountain
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Crowders Mountain State Park - Linwood Road Access
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Martha Rivers Park
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